U.K. urges calm in Kirkuk, says supports “sustainable governance”
U.K. Middle East Minister, Alistair Burt.
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The United Kingdom said Wednesday it supports equitable social representation in Kirkuk province governance, urging Iraq and Kurdish sides to reduce tensions as Iraqi troops claim the recapture of the disputed province.
“The UK supports the development of sustainable governance arrangements for Kirkuk and all disputed areas which are representative of, and responsive to, all Iraq’s communities, in line with the Iraqi Constitution,: Foreign Office minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, said in a statement.
“I call on all parties to maintain calm and take steps to de-escalate tensions in Kirkuk, avoiding any provocative statements or actions. It is essential that efforts in Iraq are focused on the defeat of Daesh, stabilisation of liberated areas and on enabling those displaced to return to their homes,” he added.
Iraqi troops, backed by Popular Mobilization Forces, took over Kirkuk province from Kurdish Peshmerga fighters on Tuesday, fulfilling Abadi’s earlier directives to retake areas where sovereignty is disputed with Kurdistan Region’s Government. The military takeover came after Kurdistan voted in September to secede from Iraq. The Iraqi military command said it became in control over all of the province’s oil fields, military bases and government facilities.